Free Breathe by Abbi Glines Page A

Mary cut in. “It’s show time! I want you all lined up so I can inspect you.” Seeing Ms. Mary get all serious caused me to smile. In the beginning, she seemed intimidating, but now I knew better. Ms. Mary was just the sweethearted lady who kept things under control.
    “Your trays will always be on the receiving table lined up and in the same place. You will go to your assigned pick up and get whatever tray I have set out for you. There is no time for breaks, and if you must go to the bathroom, I have to approve it. I hope none of you smoke 'cause I won't tolerate you taking a break for a puff.” She wiped her hands on her apron and nodded. “Let’s get moving”.
    Everyone stepped forward and took their tray. Marcus led us down the hall into the dining room. “We will enter through here. When I send you out, I am going to instruct you which way to go first. Do as I’ve instructed and this will be the most interesting cash you’ve ever made.” He grinned at us, and the other girl giggled.
    I wanted to roll my eyes at her giddy expression over the fact she was about to meet Jax, who was at least two years younger than her. I wanted to tell her to grow up, but I remembered the butterflies in my stomach, and as bad as I hated to admit it, I knew they were there because of Jax. I really couldn’t cast stones.
    My turn arrived, and I stepped up to the door.
    Marcus smiled at me and winked. “I’m here, you will be great. Now, head left and work your way around the room in a big circle.”
    I took a deep breath, stepped out into the dining room, and made my way directly into the ballroom. A familiar band warmed up on a stage, obviously brought in for the occasion. The guests all reminded me of walking Abercrombie ads. They were mingled together, dancing and talking. I tuned out the overload of sight and sound, focused on the oysters on the half shell on my platter, and began my circle. Things were going smoothly. I smiled as I walked up to each group of gorgeous people, some of whom I recognized from television or magazines.
    They took the oysters as if I were serving something that actually tasted good and slung those nasty things down their throats before placing the shell back on the tray. It ranked high on my chart of one of the grossest things I’d ever seen. I kept my smile in place and watched Marcus and the others out of the corner of my eye. I wanted to make sure I didn’t forget anything. I found Marcus, whom a guest was flirting with openly, and bit back a smile. Warm breath tickled my ear. I froze, but didn’t turn to find the source.
    “It appears my guest likes your friend,” Jax whispered in my ear.
    I turned my head toward him. “He is an interesting person.”
    Jax studied me as if he were trying to gauge my attitude. I offered him the tray, and he grinned. “Your feelings won’t be hurt if I choose not to take what you’re offering, will they? I just can’t bring myself to try one of those things.”
    I stifled a laugh and shook my head. “I don’t blame you,” I whispered.
    Jax raised his eyebrows. “We have something in common.”
    I gave him my best carefree smile. “Apparently.”
    I knew standing and talking to Jax would start talk, and I didn’t want attention, so I nodded my head as I left him. Without a backward glance, I walked up to the next group. It took all my concentration to forget the warmth still clinging to my ear and focus on my job.
    “I’ll only eat one if you let me feed you one first.” A tall ‘all American blond’ winked at me, and I woke up out of my Jax daze. I gave him a forced smile, and then shook my head.
    “Sorry,” I managed to get out without my voice betraying my nerves.
    “You won’t let me feed you oysters, huh? Well, what about a little stroll down to the beach?”
    I started to say no when the guy next to him stepped beside me, and I recognized him instantly as Jason Stone. “Trey, leave the help alone. Jax will send you